Boston man charged with rape at Urban concert

MANSFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Police are investigating a possible sexual assault at a weekend Keith Urban concert at which dozens of people were treated for excessive drinking.

Sean Murphy was arrested after concertgoers said Saturday night they saw a possible rape on the lawn at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, about 30 miles south of Boston. Bystanders captured the scene on cellphone cameras.

Murphy, who's 18 years old, said the encounter was consensual and the girl was 17 years old. He has pleaded not guilty to a rape charge.

The Attleboro Sun-Chronicle reported Wednesday that police said a woman at the concert asked Murphy's accuser if she consented and she said no. Police said the woman pulled Murphy away and he left. Police arrested him later at the concert, which 18,000 people attended.

Police said Murphy, who's from Boston, and his accuser met for the first time at the concert and were kissing at a concession stand before he led her to the lawn, the newspaper reported. Prosecutor Melissa Tafe said at Murphy's arraignment Monday that the accuser told police she went with him because she was afraid not to.

Murphy has no criminal record and isn't accused of using force against the girl, defense attorney Neil Crowley said.

"This was a private act that regrettably occurred in a public place," Crowley told The Boston Globe. "Mr. Murphy deeply regrets this incident, and I'm sure the young woman does as well."

Investigators are reviewing photos and videos and said they want to speak with other witnesses.

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Urban had no comment on what happened at his concert and was referring all inquiries to local authorities, his publicist said.

Authorities said several dozen people were treated for alcohol-related illnesses at the concert and ambulances from five surrounding communities responded. At least 46 people were treated, and 22 were taken to hospitals.

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